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A Reader writes: Hi Ed I've read through your very informative website and found it to be an invaluable source of information. However, I live in Singapore and it seems that the models that you've evaluated are different from those available here. That's why I'm writing to seek your help. I live in a 160sqm apartment and have been trying to battle a mould problem, mainly in the master bedroom (but also in my son's room and the living room, though to a lesser extent). I clean as much as possible but the mould keeps coming back! I know our hot and humid environment is what mould thrives in so I'm now trying to fight the problem by getting an air purifier in an attempt to reduce mould spores.
After some research, I've shortlisted 2 air purifiers: the Atmosphere air purifier (http://www.amway2u.com/miniweb/atmosphere/intro_en_US.jsp http://www.amway2u.com/mall_proddet.jsp) which costs more than S$2000 and the Honeywell Enviracaire 17450 which costs S$859. Also, given the size of my apartment, I am wondering what is the better solution: (a) get 1 Atmosphere air purifier and alternate its location between the living room and the master bedroom;or Personally, I'm of the opinion that the Atmosphere is of better quality but just want to make sure that I'm not getting conned by all the marketing glossary that is used. Hence, I would appreciate if you have any information to share and your frank comments about both models. I hope to hear from you soon. A Reader.
Hey Reader; This is a recurring issue in my mail. Folks living in far-off foreign lands frequently ask for advice on the very limited selection of air cleaners where they live. Just be glad you are in Asia instead of the middle east, where service after the sale is non-existent. Realize that my experience is confined to the US market. OK, you have picked a couple machines that I am not real excited about. I'm not even sure that an air purifier is the cost effective solution for your mold issues. Running your Singapore dollar prices through an online international currency converter, I get an astounding $USD1,455.26 for the Atmosphere Air Purifier, and $USD625.19 for the Honeywell 17450. Both prices seem wildly excessive to me. Have I made a mistake? Amway's US website lists the Atmosphere 101076 at $859.99 MSRP, lower but still no possible deal. Amazon.com starts in the low $600 range, still rich for what I class as a $325 air cleaner. Honeywell Enviracaire 17450 has disappeared stateside, but one epinions review lists $99 as "amount paid (US$)." This is in-line with my expectations. Amway Atmosphere Air PurifierI'd say the Amway company in general, and the Atmosphere specifically, are about as marketing-jargon-heavy as an air cleaner and marketing organization can get. The best thing I can say about always controversial Amway is it runs a cleaner MLM pyramid than former air cleaner leader Ecoquest. This is a global $US8.2 billion company, based almost entirely on "direct marketing." See my Ecoquest review for details on MLM. Ecoquest made many mistakes, among these was the failure to build a network of well-funded websites to "defend" the brand. This circle of pickets makes it difficult for critics to climb onto page one of the google results. Amway is defended by thousands of sites, all offering the same flowery praise. Amway products are generally of good to better quality, but marketed in a manner which detracts from utility, at prices which are totally out of line. The Atmosphere Air Purifier by Amway, available in two models (101076 - all white, 102858 - blue trim) does low sales volume in the US, but is sold worldwide. Atmospheres are supplied by Amway's subsidiary, third-party manufacturer Access Business Group.
What I like about the Atmospheres is the particle sensor driven automated operation and relatively quiet Asian design. Amway's Atmosphere is a modern, automated, mid-powered (250 CADR) air cleaner. Amway rates it optimistically for 36 square meters (390 square feet.) Atmospheres are EPA EnergyStar certified at a frugal 4.3 CADR/Watt. Amway says their particle filter is "better than HEPA," but I find no supporting evidence. HEPA is an efficiency standard, but none of Amway's materials offer anything but the general "99,99% of all particles that pass through the filter." All efficiency specifications consist of particle size(s) associated with percentages. You are correct to perceive this terminology as selected from a "marketing glossary." Customer reviews on the web are generally from Amway associates. Replacement filters are very pricey, as expected with a MLM distribution scheme. The odor filter has 1,900 grams (about 4 pounds) of activated carbon, and sells for around $100, HEPA replacement is $140. The whole point of air-purifier-power.com is that consumers should avoid air cleaners marketed like this. In the event of a warranty issue or return your recourse is limited to the "independent" distributor who locally sells the brand. In MLM, there is a constant turnover of dealers. Despite a slight advantage in quality over the run-of-the-mill Honeywell, I do not recommend the Atmosphere air purifiers. For a brief article on how the Amway MLM pyramid generates profits see Amway criticized See the Wikipedia article on Amway for a looooong discussion of Amway's legal conflicts and controversies. Honeywell Enviracaire 17450As for the Honeywell 17450, it is discontinued in the US, and is no longer listed on the AHAM CADR list or Honeywell's website www.kaz.com. The base model 17000 is still shown available. 17450 is a 195 CADR version of the 17000 series, reviewed at Honeywell 17000 Review. It is advertised as suitable for 252 Sq. Ft. rooms. 17450 has three filters. The CPZ® gas and odor adsorbing filter, that fits inside the HEPA, helps reduce common household odors, but raises maintenance costs. HEPA filters for the 17000 series Honeywells will probably still remain available in the future, because of Honeywell's smart decision to modularize the round filter design a couple years back. I cannot guarantee the future availability of the extra carbon CPZ filter (#22200), especially in Malaysia. 17450 has the reputation of being the quietest of the 17000 series Honeywells, probably due to the extra sound insulation from the 22200 CPZ filter being wrapped right around the motor. There are some youtube videos where a young Asian guy, using a .3 micron laser particle counter, demonstrates particle clearing and exhaust performance of both the Amway and Honeywell 17450; From the extremely high numbers the counter is showing, it looks like the meter is calibrated in particles per cubic meter. I am accustomed to particles per cubic foot, but his results seem to give a performance advantage to the Atmosphere, as expected for the premium price. He also measures output from other Asian-available brands. I don't know what language he is speaking. Mold and MoistureMold is governed by moisture. Be sure there is no leaky roof or plumbing, maybe hidden from view, contributing to your problem. An air purifier works best when it can remove particles at a rate faster than they are generated. Mold can make millions of spores, and can overwhelm good air cleaners, especially when they are underinstalled (too big a space for power). I'd also consider lifestyle factors. In my opinion, mold allergy is mediated by internal factors like intestinal yeast due to high carbohydrate diets. This is especially true if you smell "moldy" odors when others don't and are finding people's sweet perfume "stinks." Aversion to car exhaust is another symptom suggesting internal yeast populations are out of hand. With a limited local market, I'd have to go with the two Honeywell plan myself. If my price calculations are correct, I'd shop both options a whole lot harder. If you choose the Amway, look at craigslist Singapore and other ads for dealers quitting Amway with inventory to unload. Best wishes, Ed End Re: Amway Atmosphere vs. Honeywell 17450 Air Purifiers, Return to Emails Air Purifier Reviews | Reviews Air Purifiers
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